Chris Plumb's Blog

Chris always wondered why you didn't seem to catch the muscled up ,non slimy ,bronze Kennet bream as they seem to follow me from Bulls lock to Padworth and some big ones too ,not to be confused with the slimy ,lethargic ,silver lake bream........as if they are different breeds ?

Great picture btw .

If you look at the size of the tail and the fact they can use the current to their advantage by turning their flanks into it  - it's no wonder they can put up a bit of a fight!

What's your secret? What I wouldn't give to be followed by bream in the rivers. They get a bad press - but I'm always happy to tow one in.

The Kennet can be hard ,so these splendid bream are more than welcome ,they seem to seek the flowing weed the barbel like ,my biggest was 9.5 pound from Aldermaston on the NAA ticket and the colour difference to lake bream fish I have caught (say Bellwood) bronze/ silver is pronounced. Another strong fish around Thatcham are the roach/bream hybrids which really puzzled me ,the first time I caught one but only seen them to 2-3 lb ish.

Certainly no secrets involved ,they seem to be in the deeper sections and can be caught on all baits ,float or ledger ,most venues east of Newbury ,except Brimpton ,have heard there are many in Vicky park Newbury and Speen moor but I haven't fished there.

Perhaps the bad press is mainly from carpers lol

Thanks, Imp. I keep promising myself a crack at Aldermaston, but keep hearing that it can be tough going there. Vicky Park? Do you mean that fast running bit past the old Newbury football club that runs alongside the canal? That's my local stretch. I gave it an hour there once, but was put off by the need for a huge weight to hold the bottom in such a narrow stretch, and the malevolent looks from Special Brew drinkers on the benches!

Basically from Northcroft thru to the bypass road bridge over the Kennet it is free water if it is NOT on the NAA ticket ,bream/chub and many , many silver fish etc abound ,away from the otters and fed hourly with copious amounts of bread ,fish paradise ,just not for me.

Aldermaston is scenic ,peaceful and I find it hard but certainly opportunities, to wade and try out a centrepin ,trotting or ledgering at this time of the year before the flows gets strong.

Neither venue can match your success weight wise at Willows but when you recognise a fish from last week and they have names ,it is a scary thought ,also it is a skill set and discipline I do not have ,I try the lakes in the "close season" and am the worst .